You’ve Been Warned, Mate

Australia Calls for High Degree of Caution for its Citizens Visiting Bali and Indonesia

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(1/3/2014)

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) upgraded their travel warnings on Indonesia on Monday, December 30, 2013, in response to indications of possible attacks by terrorists cells.

The DFAT warning came just one day before Indonesian police launched an attack in West Java that left six men dead. The men were believed to have been involved in deadly attacks on Indonesian police and had documents in their possession outlining future attacks on embassies and hotels in Indonesia

Urging Australians to exercise a “high degree of caution” DFAT’s new travel advice for Indonesia in which specific mention of Bali is made states:

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia, including Bali, at this time due to the high threat of terrorist attack. You should also be aware of the severe penalties for narcotics offences, including the death penalty; some specific health risks; and risks associated with natural disasters.

Terrorists have previously attacked or planned to attack places where Westerners gather, including nightclubs, bars, restaurants, international hotels, airports and places of worship in Bali, Jakarta and elsewhere in Indonesia. These types of venues could be targeted again.

Visitors to Indonesia, particularly to tourist locations such as Bali and Lombok, should be aware of the specific risks from crime, and from drink-spiking and consumption of alcohol adulterated with harmful substances such as methanol. Tourists may also be exposed to scams and credit card/ATM fraud.

Visitors should be aware that there is a risk of rabies throughout Indonesia, in particular Bali and Nias.

DFAT said that, "We continue to receive information that indicates terrorists may be planning attacks in Indonesia, which could take place at any time."